Parliamentary hearing probes Norway's foreign ministry ties to Jeffrey Epstein and aid grants
A two-day hearing by the Storting's control and constitutional committee is underway to question current and former foreign and development ministers about the foreign ministry's grant‑making and its links to Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry focuses on funding that went to the International Peace Institute in New York, including a 116 million‑kroner award to the institute. Officials such as Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, former foreign minister Børge Brende and former development ministers are among those called to testify.
The hearing also considers a 2019 tip that the institute had connections to Epstein and examines whether the ministry's internal culture allowed a privileged diplomatic elite to operate with greater leeway. The probe comes as ØØkokrim continues a corruption investigation into former diplomats Terje Rød‑Larsen and Mona Juul.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage stresses the criminal investigation and alleged corruption, centrist coverage highlights Rød-Larsen’s apology and the parliamentary inquiry to restore trust, while right-leaning coverage focuses on his personal admission about relying on Epstein for funding and his lack of scrutiny.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the story as a corruption scandal, detailing the probe, alleged loan and gifts from Epstein and emphasizing the duo’s alleged wrongdoing.
CENTER
Center coverage frames the story around Rød-Larsen’s apology and the institutional response, stressing his admission of delayed action and the parliamentary inquiry to restore trust.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story as Rød-Larsen’s personal admission about his reliance on Epstein for funding and his lack of scrutiny, portraying the relationship as a misjudged networking link.
The left emphasises
- high-priority probe into the couple for alleged serious corruption stemming from gifts and services received from the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein
- investigating a loan given by Epstein, the purchase of a flat in Oslo at below market price, a trip to Epstein’s island in 2011, and payment of home-help services
- both he and Juul maintain their innocence
The right emphasises
- Epstein acted as a gateway to affluent individuals who could fund the International Peace Institute
- Rød-Larsen admitted he never examined the legal filings or the 2018 one outlet's exposé
- the couple visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island and were named in his will
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Norwegian diplomat duo faces corruption probe as NRK releases documentary on Epstein ties
- Sep 30 The parliamentary hearing on the ministry's Epstein‑related funding has begun.
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